Car crashes into New London home

New London firefighters extricate the driver of a car from her vehicle that struck a home on Willetts Ave. Tuesday, January 14, 2014 in New London. An elderly female driver was transported to L+M with non life-threatening injuries.

Published January 14. 2014 12:00PM | Updated January 14. 2014 12:54PM

Izaskun E. Larrañeta

New London — An elderly driver was taken early this afternoon to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries after the car she was driving crashed through bushes and smashed several fronts steps of a multi-family home at 114 Willetts Ave.

Battalion Chief Edward Sargent said the woman was conscious and alert when she was placed into an ambulance.

Sargent said a second car, a van, was also involved in the accident. The van sustained damage to its rear.

He said no further injuries were reported. The fire inspector along with a building official were also summoned to the scene as a precaution.

Wilberto Rivas and his 2-year-old son Angel peered from the inside of their unit at 114 Willetts Ave. to look at the damage.

Rivas said he works second shift and was playing with his son when he heard a large "boom".

"The whole house shook," said Rivas. "When I looked outside, I saw the car on the porch steps."

The white, four-door Hyundai Elantra sustained extensive damage to its front. Air bags were deployed.

Rivas said this wasn't the first time that a car has jumped the curb and struck the house. He said it happened one time before, but didn't cause as much damage.

"After this, I can tell you I won't let my son stand outside on the porch," said Rivas.